Proverbs 13:19
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Original Language Analysis
תַּאֲוָ֣ה
The desire
H8378
תַּאֲוָ֣ה
The desire
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
1 of 8
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
נִ֭הְיָה
accomplished
H1961
נִ֭הְיָה
accomplished
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְנָ֑פֶשׁ
to the soul
H5315
לְנָ֑פֶשׁ
to the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְתוֹעֲבַ֥ת
but it is abomination
H8441
וְתוֹעֲבַ֥ת
but it is abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
to fools
H3684
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים
to fools
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
Cross References
Proverbs 13:12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.Proverbs 29:27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.Proverbs 16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel faced constant temptation to adopt pagan practices—idolatry, sexual immorality, injustice. To fools, these seemed desirable, while covenant faithfulness seemed restrictive. The prophets condemned those who called evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). Post-exilic reforms required many to put away foreign wives (Ezra 9-10)—to some, departing from sin was abominable. Yet true wisdom finds sweetness in obeying God.
Questions for Reflection
- What desires occupy your heart—do you long for righteousness or find departing from evil distasteful?
- How has the gospel transformed your desires, making what once seemed sweet (sin) now repulsive?
- What specific sins might you be finding 'abominable to depart from' rather than eagerly pursuing holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses the satisfaction of fulfilled desires versus foolish resistance to repentance. "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul" celebrates realized goals. Ta'avah nihyah te'erav lenafesh (תַּאֲוָה נִהְיָה תֶּעֱרַב לְנֶפֶשׁ, desire coming to pass is sweet to the soul). Ta'avah (תַּאֲוָה, desire, longing) when nihyah (נִהְיָה, comes to pass, is realized) becomes te'erav (תֶּעֱרַב, sweet, pleasant, agreeable) to nefesh (נֶפֶשׁ, soul, life, person).
"But it is abomination to fools to depart from evil" exposes moral perversity. Veto'evat kesilim sur mera (וְתוֹעֲבַת כְּסִילִים סוּר מֵרָע, but an abomination to fools to turn from evil). To'evah (תּוֹעֲבָה, abomination, disgusting thing) describes how fools view sur mera (סוּר מֵרָע, turning from evil). What should be desired—repentance—they find repulsive. Conversely, what should be repulsive—continuing in sin—they desire.
The proverb reveals twisted values. Fools desire sinful pleasures and find holiness distasteful. Their sweetness is in sin, not righteousness. By contrast, the wise find deepest satisfaction in godly desires fulfilled—holiness, truth, love. Romans 1:28-32 describes those who not only practice evil but approve those who do. Ezekiel 33:11 pleads: "Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways." Jesus called sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13). True conversion makes holiness desirable and sin repulsive (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Spirit transforms desires, making God's will sweet to the soul (Psalm 119:103).